Seismic Response of Built Structures

Period: First Semester

Course unit contents: 

- Basic principles on the structural behaviour of masonry and reinforced concrete buildings. Damage to structures due to earthquakes. Damage related to local stability and site effects.
- Elements of structural dynamics. Single-Degree-of-Freedom systems, undamped and damped systems, free and forced vibrations. Impulse loading and arbitrary dynamic load. Multi-degree-of-freedom systems. Elastic response spectrum and design spectra.
- Soil-structure interaction effects (SSI). Notes on amplification due to soil deposits and liquefaction. Kinematic interaction and inertial interaction. Direct and simplified methods of analysis. Case studies, with particular reference to recent earthquakes in Italy.
- Seismic risk. Definition of hazard: origin, intensity, classification of earthquakes. Definition of exposure, costs and losses. Definition of seismic vulnerability and criteria for classifying the vulnerability of existing buildings. Risk assessments on a territorial scale: empirical, heuristic, mechanical methods. Derivation of losses (usability and damage to buildings, injuries, displaced persons, human lives). Risk mitigation strategies and cost/benefit analysis.
- Introduction to experimental dynamic identification of structures and Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) for real-time evaluation of structural conditions, with reference to real case studies.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods: 

To achieve the learning objectives, traditional lectures will be supplemented with images and videos showing structural damage observed after seismic events, in order to enhance understanding of the seismic behaviour of structures. The course will incorporate practical examples related to structural dynamics, seismic vulnerability/fragility assessment, and seismic risk estimation at a territorial scale. The use of advanced software tools and platforms in the field of risk assessment and management will also be included. Furthermore, real case studies will be presented, focusing on structural modelling, soil-structure interaction, and the application of key investigation and monitoring techniques.

To actively support the learning process and encourage student participation, the course includes a range of complementary activities:
# Interactive quizzes for monitoring
At the end of each thematic block, multiple-choice quizzes will be delivered via Wooclap to monitor learning progress, allowing immediate feedback on the covered content and adjustment of the lecture pace.
# Group work and peer feedback
Students, organised in groups of 2-3, will carry out structural dynamics exercises in class under the supervision of the instructor. In subsequent lessons, each group will present their work to the class and receive peer feedback.
# Experiential activities
Practical exercises on structural dynamics are planned, including:
(i) analysis of resonance phenomena and vibration modes of a simplified structural model using a shaking table;
(ii) demonstration of experimental dynamic identification techniques using a real data acquisition system.
# Diverse homework assignments
Each student will choose a homework assignment from those proposed by the instructor, related to the main course topics (structural dynamics and seismic risk). The work, to be completed individually and independently under the instructor’s supervision, will be discussed during the oral exam.

To enrich students’ knowledge with up-to-date and diverse information, the course may include seminars by specialists from various fields.
For further deepening of acquired knowledge, there is an opportunity to engage in specialised training activities within national and international research projects and collaborations.

The active and critical use of generative artificial intelligence tools (e.g. ChatGPT) is permitted to support educational deepening, provided it is done consciously and responsibly, respecting the student’s autonomy and in accordance with the University policies.

In addition to contacting the course instructor, students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), Special Educational Needs (SEN), and other health conditions can reach out to the Student Services Office - Inclusion Unit to receive more information about opportunities to access teaching with specific support and tools.